Tale of Two Markets, Part Two

Ukraine Market is a mere two blocks down from the European Delicious Market (our last review). With two markets so close together and catering to the same community, there is some overlap. Both have your Eastern European standards, such as rye bread. However, they also have different characteristics – European Delicious is larger, and a little imposing. Ukraine Market is smaller and the newer of the two. Like any underdog, they are very aware of their competition and advertize their prices accordingly.

Ukraine Market has a very small produce section, some carrots, beets, onion and cabbage. Their pickled vegetable selection is larger than their fresh, including pickled dill. Other staples include egg-noodles, bulgur, fruit juices, teas and candies. Behind the counter they have a small selection of matryoshka (Russian Nesting) dolls and other imported crafts.

Their bakery case has large cakes and pastries they make on site, both for their own store and for wholesale. Currently, I’m in love with their honey cookies. They are slightly soft cookies with a delicate honey taste. Call ahead to make sure they’re in stock.

If you are looking for caviar for your New Year’s Eve party, Ukrainian Market’s deli case has several types, including black, red and salmon. Alongside cured meats and cheese, their deli has several prepared items, such as stuffed cabbage. There is a larger selection at the end of the week than the beginning.

Preserved fish plays a large role in the Eastern European cuisine, and there are many types of canned herring and sardines to choose from. (Legend has it that eating herring at midnight on New Year’s Eve will bring you good luck.) Pelmeni, similar to Polish pierogis, that are made in-house stock their small freezer section.

On my several visits, the staff has always been friendly and helpful. I don’t think I could possibly choose one market over the other; each has their own unique feel and niche.


Ukraine Market
10390 W. 64th Ave.
Arvada, CO 80003
303-423-8081

Tale of Two Markets, Part One

One of the reasons Zach and I decided to start this blog was that Denver is home to so many different ethnic communities. Just like Chinatown and Little Italy in New York City, some groups have formed small communities, opening several markets in close proximity. This week I’ll be reviewing two different Russian/Ukrainian markets. The fact that these two markets are less than two-blocks away from each other illustrate the thriving Ukrainian community in Arvada.

Their little gingerbreads make great hostess gifts.

The European Delicious market is the larger and older of the two.  The word “European” could really be modified with “Eastern.” Sure British tea and Italian olive oil are technically “European” but you won’t find them here. However if you are looking for caviar or a certain tea (or herb) that your бабушка or бабуся used, this is the place.

European Delicious has a deli case with various cheeses and cured sausages, and a bakery case with mostly small pastries during the week with some larger cakes during the weekend. In the frozen section you’ll find Polish butter, house-made frozen pirogues and other specialties.

Their produce section is seasonal and limited. During my last visit their fresh vegetables included beets, onions, fresh dill, cucumbers and potatoes. Fruit is limited to seasonal offerings; this week was persimmons and pomegranates.  On previous visits, they have had quince and plums. If you’re lucky they’ll have the really large cabbage heads in, perfect for home-made cabbage rolls.

Their bread selection is small, but decent; our favorite is the Lithuanian bread. Even if it travels from New York City, it is my all-time favorite dark bread. It is so dense, you feel like you’re picking up a brick. Though this particular loaf is unsliced, it is easy to cut thin slices for open-faced sandwiches.  The dry good selection is exceptional. Various kinds of canned fish, pickles and grains line the shelves. The tea selection alone is overwhelming and there are many hard to find herbs. There are also many types of cookies to choose from.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the bulk candy section. Over two aisles have individually wrapped chocolates, gummies and hard candies. (Look carefully at the box label if you have nut allergies.) I love getting some random candies for stocking stuffers, much more interesting than the standard chocolates. Surprisingly with so many items from Russia, they also have a wide variety of Turkish Delights and Turkish coffee. Zach and I recognized several brands from our trip to Istanbul last year.  

The perfect Stocking Stuffer -  Matryoshka chocolates.

To be completely honest, this market epitomizes some of the reasons many people do not visit smaller ethnic markets. The store is a bit dark and lacking storage with items and boxes everywhere. Many items do not have clear English labels. On several visits I hear Russian spoken more than English, which can be a little intimidating.  Please do not let that stop you. European Delicious is a gem of a market with some great products. Don't be afraid to ask questions, the staff can be very helpful.

Next up, a new neighbor, the Ukrainian Market.

European Delicious

10050 Ralston Rd., #H (Crossroads: Ralston and Rensselaer Drive)

Arvada, CO 80004

No lemon, no melon, but why no durian?

Durians aren't allowed on Singapore's MRT (subway system). 

There are foods in your life that you'll never forget. Maybe your mother's Christmas cookies, or your grandfather's lasagna holds a special place in your heart. One of mine is durian, the king of fruit. It is a milestone for all those looking to try new things. This fruit has been referenced in movies, and not in a good way. In "Eat, Pray, Love", Julia Roberts is told to say away from this intriguing fruit because it supposedly smells like stinky feet. I've heard the smell described as sewage or rotting animal. Personally, I liken the smell to slightly off melon. The aroma is slightly repulsive, yet attractive at the same time. One thing for sure, it is unique and once you identify it, you'll never forget it. The odor is also pervasive, and as such, it has been banned from many regional hotels, and public transit systems.

Durians lined up on the side of a building.

Ranging in colors of green, durians are generally a bit smaller than the size of your head. On the outside of this fruit is a very hard, incredibly spiky shell; so much so that it has to be handled with gardening or utility gloves.The inside consists of a few pods stretching lengthwise, filled with a custard-esque flesh with a inedible pit. If you aren't thrown off by the smell, this is the other big pitfall. The texture freaks people out. Not only does it feel like a custard, but it is a bit stringy as well. It takes awhile to get used too.

I know this all sounds like a huge warning sign, but there is something to this fruit. In parts of Asia, particularly in the south-east, people go out for Durian like we might go out for ice cream; they love it. There are street corners lined with durians of different grades, and you can smell these places blocks away. You can get your durian to go, or sit in their make-shift dining area on the side of the street, consisting of mismatched chairs and tables, often of the folding variety. There is a certain romance with this fruit that I can not explain. My first experience wasn't magic, I didn't scarf it down, but a few months later, I had the hankering to try it again. It is almost always served raw and alone. Dishes that call for durian are few and far between; it is hardly ever cooked. Durian flavored candies can be found more readily, and while not having eaten them myself, I could see them as a stepping stone into raw durian.

Greg is a world traveler I met in Singapore. This was taken
as we were eating durian on the side of the street. 

I encourage everyone to take your palate for a spin with one of these. I have found a few places that carry durian, including Pacific Ocean Marketplace. They come frozen whole, or with just the flesh. Go for the full experience and get a whole one. Hack shell open with a big knife. I wouldn't use your best kitchen knife, but rather a small ax or something you can really get after this fruit with. I would suggest going outside to do this just so that if you do find the odor repulsive, it doesn't linger in your house.